What Landlords Expect for End of Tenancy Cleaning in the UK
In the UK, most landlords expect their tenants to leave the property squeaky clean after their lease expires.
Understanding their requirements will help you immensely during the final inspection. This is absolutely vital, even if you end up contacting an end of tenancy house cleaning service to spruce up the place before you leave.
This article will walk you through everything you should know to satisfy those expectations and ensure the complete return of your deposit.
Why End of Tenancy House Cleaning Is Important
The state in which you return the property largely depends on your upkeep efforts. Your letting agent will closely inspect every inch of the space to make sure you have maintained it to the highest possible standard.
They could deduct a portion of your deposit to cover cleaning costs for any lingering stains or smudges they discover.
So, try your best to leave the place exactly as it was when you first moved in. The only damage that remains should be from regular wear and tear.
Minor scuffs on the walls or worn-out spots in the carpets are recognised as natural deterioration caused by daily use. These are typically not penalised.
Dirt, stains, and grime, on the other hand, are unacceptable. In fact, they are usually the most prominent reasons behind deposit deductions.
The Difference Between DIY and Professional Cleaning
Do you want to employ experienced cleaners or handle it yourself? Both options have their advantages and drawbacks.
The DIY route requires more effort and patience, but the reward for your determination will be a heftier wallet. On the other hand, engaging a reliable end of tenancy house cleaning service costs more, but it guarantees excellent results without you breaking a sweat.
Particularly with furnished UK homes, landlords usually demand carpets and upholstery to be cleaned by a trained expert.
Review your tenancy agreement to determine whether it specifies that. If so, make sure you hold on to the receipt. You will need it as proof of rendered services later on.
What Landlords Look for in an End of Tenancy Inspection
Tidying up is never fun, especially when your security deposit is at stake. Nevertheless, focusing on the areas landlords usually prioritise will make your life much easier.
Here is how to approach the most fundamental chores without losing your mind.
Kitchen
Your lessor will go over the kitchen meticulously, as it is typically the messiest area in any home. Hence, there should be no grease splatter, food residue, or hard water stains anywhere.
Pay special attention to the oven and stove. Use a strong degreaser to melt any oil and grease splatter off the oven racks, stovetop, and extractor fan.
You also have to defrost the freezer and wipe every shelf and compartment in the fridge. Make sure you clear out any food and give everything a decent washing.
Next, empty out every drawer and cupboard. Get rid of any food residue on the shelves, and then clean the doors from both the inside and outside.
You cannot forget about the sink and taps. Give them a good scrub to get rid of any limescale and hard water marks. If necessary, apply a descaler to guarantee a sparkly finish.
Lastly, clean the counters and backsplashes to ensure no crumbs or grease splatter are left behind.
Bathroom
Landlords have high standards for bathroom hygiene, and for good reason. Soap scum, mildew, and mould should be nowhere in sight if you want that security deposit back.
Start with the toilet. Wipe the toilet bowl thoroughly before going over the entire base, seat, and lid with a disinfectant.
This will banish those invisible germs and discoloured spots, leaving nothing but a fresh aroma behind.
Next, turn your attention to the bathtub and shower area. Using a limescale remover, buff out the faucets and showerhead to clear any lingering limescale.
Make sure the shower curtain or glass screen is squeaky clean after you are done.
Moreover, tiles and grout can become mouldy or just plain filthy over time. So, give them a good scrub while you are at it. Be sure to get those narrow grooves where dirt could be hiding.
At last, the washbasin and mirror need to be crystal clear. Once you have a streak-free mirror, shiny glittering taps, and a spotless sink, your work here is done.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Typically, these rooms merely require good decluttering and some surface wiping, with no need for intense scrubbing. Tackling them methodically helps speed up the process.
Begin by polishing any wooden and glass surfaces before vacuuming the rugs and mopping the hard floors.
A homemade concoction of baking soda and vinegar or a store-bought stain remover can eliminate most carpet discolourations.
On the off chance that DIY solutions or off-shelf items fail, specialised cleaning services are your best bet.
Do not forget about the corners and skirting boards. Dust usually gathers there, so be sure to give these overlooked areas a good washdown.
The same applies to the windows and window sills. Polish them from the inside and the outside, too, if possible.
Have a look at the light fittings as well. Dust them off, along with the ceiling fans, if your house has any.
Upholstery and Carpeting
Many furnished apartment leases in the UK mandate professional cleaning for floor coverings and upholstered furniture at the end of the tenancy term.
If the carpets or upholstery appear too worn out or discoloured, steam cleaning could be the only remedy. It will effectively eliminate any dirt, allergens, and residual pet stains or scents before the final inspection.
It goes without saying that you also have to dust and polish every hard surface.
When freshening up soft furniture, like sofas, remove the cushions and go over the fabric base with a reliable vacuum cleaner. Make sure you use the right attachments to really get into those tight seams and crevices.
Outdoor Space
Now that the inside is done, you need to turn your attention to the outdoor area. Your garden, patio, and balcony all need to be well-kept.
Moreover, the yard has to be neat, with evenly cut grass and absolutely no weeds.
Pressure-washing the patio and balcony would yield the best results. Alternatively, you can just give them a good sweep and dust off any outdoor furniture you have.
Make sure you get rid of any loose garbage or fallen leaves, and pluck out any unwanted plants that may have sprouted between the paving slabs.
Lastly, empty and clean out the outdoor bins. Give them a quick scrub, and voila! You are now prepared for the landlord’s visit.
Conclusion
UK-based landlords and letting agents have high standards. Whether you are tidying up yourself or hiring an expert, the goal is to leave the place sparkling and in excellent condition.
To ensure the house passes the final check-up, focus on key spaces, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Paying close attention to the smaller details, like the light fixtures and baseboards, will also increase your chances of a full refund.
